If you’re getting stir crazy at home, there are still ways to make it FEEL like you’re traveling without going too far! That’s why a local Cincinnati staycation is a great idea!

Depending on budget, there’s several great options in the N. Kentucky / Cincinnati area. My first suggestion is to get a hotel! This is the easiest way to make it feel like you’re away from home and your usual routine.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). 

These hotels are perfect for a date night, or a weekend getaway for your Cincinnati staycation:

Treat Yourself:

• 21C Museum Hotel

• Hotel Covington

• The Pickle Factory: Boutique Hotel

• Lytle Park Hotel

Get a Unique AirBNB or VRBO Rental Property!

• The Swing House – A fun and unique lodging idea, this art installation slash rental property is also open for free public tours, every second Saturday from 12-4 pm.

• Elk Creek Winery – About one hour outside of the city, this could make a great day trip option or serve as a getaway for a long weekend.

• House Boat  – If you really want something different, try staying on a houseboat for a night or two! Located in Dayton, Kentucky near the “Newport on the Levee” complex, you’re still close to all the action.

• Hopewell Croft Cabin – About 1.5 hours outside of the city is this rural getaway. Stay here and enjoy true quiet and isolation! It’s also nearby to several Amish shops and stores, and has plenty to do if you want to reconnect with nature.

Search more Cincinnati hotels:
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Things to Do in the Downtown Area:

• Rent a swimming pool (includes heated pools and hot tubs) by the hour with Swimply! This is a great idea for big groups. You can find pools during all seasons too. See my Swimply referral link for $50 off your first rental!

  

• Visit one of the many lakes with beaches within an hour radius of the city if you’re looking to cool off!

• Get in touch with nature on a hike! Head north to Hocking Hills, or south to Red River Gorge. Both have some epic scenery and hiking. Locally, check out Bender Mountain Trail or Mount Airy Forest area

Top things to do in Cincinnati – Complete my personal Cincinnati bucket list!

• Do one of the many fun and historical tours led by American Legacy Tours . “Queen City Underground” is a personal favorite where you can explore tunnels beneath the city. You can also check out fun ghost themed tours too!

• Indulge in a social Cincinnati food tour with Riverside Food Tours

• Get artsy- visit the Contemporary Arts Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum

• If you have kids and want to try out multiple activities like the Zoo, Museum Center, indoor playgrounds, EnterTrainment Junction, bowling, arcade games, baseball games, and more (all for $50/person), consider getting a “Pogo Pass“

  

• Head out on the water with an antique riverboat lunch or dinner cruise

• Take the streetcar around downtown for a food tour with Cincinnati Food Tours

Like scary stuff? Check out these haunted places in the area!

Head out of the Downtown Area for your Staycation-

• Day trip Ideas within a one hour drive of Cincinnati

• Day trip Ideas within a two hour drive of Cincinnati

• Visit Lexington, Kentucky for a weekend away to horse country!